Packers GM Speaks Out About Recent RB Decisions

Many fans wanted a third RB on the roster for the Packers. In most cases there are always three or more on the depth chart, just as precaution because of injuries. After roster cuts on August 30th, only two running backs were listed in Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon. Young rookies Patrick Taylor and Tyler Goodson were waived from the team on Tuesday along with Dexter Williams.

Packers’ fans were interested in having Tyler Goodson as the #3 running back based on his play in the preseason. The biggest difference was that Patrick Taylor performed better on special teams. On Wednesday the Packers GM spoke about his decision to only keep two running backs on the active roster. One of the reasons being the practice squad rules.

Practice Squad

The practice squad consists of holding 16 players. Matt Lafleur told the media on Wednesday that Tyler Goodson and Patrick Taylor are back on the practice squad. Packers GM said that in case of emergency to one of the listed running backs, that they could bring up one of the practice squads RBs if they need to.

Tyler Goodson ran for 107 yards and one touchdown. He also caught eight passes for 70 yards during the preseason.

Patrick Taylor rushed for 71 yards on 18 carries. Taylor went 3-6 for 17 yards, catching out of the backfield during the preseason. Both of the practice squad running backs will be backups for Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon.

Packers WR Amari Rodgers

Rodgers has played some at the wide receiver position for the Packers since he was drafted in 2021. At WR he made four catches for 45 yards. He played in 16 games during his rookie season mostly on special teams, with eight fair catches and 11 kickoff returns for 199 yards.

In the 2022 preseason for the Packers, he ran the ball six times for 36 yards. His longest run play went for 11 yards.

When the Packers GM was asked why the decision was made, he said, “I think also the emergence of Amari Rodgers doing some stuff back there could help us as well,” Gutekunst said during Wednesday’s press conference. “We have some flexibility there, so that was part of the decision.”

Amari Rodgers may see some time behind Aaron Rodgers in 2022. He seems to be another option between playing both wide receiver and running back since Patrick Taylor and Tyler Goodson are back on the practice squad.

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